Connector apparatus and method of coupling bioprocessing equipment to a media source

ABSTRACT

A disposable connector apparatus designed for one time use in a bioprocessing assembly, and a method for coupling a piece of bioprocessing equipment to a media source in a sterilized environment. The connector apparatus includes a telescoping valve formation with an actuation incorporating a one way lock mechanism that cannot be disconnected.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application, U.S.Ser. No. 60/276612, filed on Mar. 16, 2001, entitled STERILIZEDCONNECTOR APPARATUS AND METHOD OF COUPLING BIOPROCESSING EQUIPMENT TO AMEDIA SOURCE, by David W. Meyer, which is incorporated herewith byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an apparatus for a connector apparatus and amethod for implementing the same. More particularly this inventionrelates to a connector apparatus for coupling a media source to abioreactor in a sterilized environment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bioprocessing systems, used for instance, in culturing biomaterial orproducing and designing drugs used in pharmaceutical applications is awidely common technique. Typically, these systems employ bioreactors andmedia dispensers connected by tube and valve assemblies. Multiple steamtraps and a flow hood are often incorporated to sterilize the systemfrom contaminants. Typically, bioreactors or culture environments andmedia dispensers have consisted of large vats for producing suchbiomaterials. Typically, the components used in the assembly werereusable stainless steel components. However, this would require acomplex and time consuming coupling procedure. In addition, flow hoods,such as laminar flow hoods, seem to be very cumbersome and inconvenientas they are moved in and out of the processing environment. As morespecific cultures and designer drugs are being produced, and as morespecific growth media provided to a bioreactor are being developed,there is a need for an improved and less complex bioprocessing system.

Furthermore, present designs using multiple steam traps and complextube/valve assemblies create a bioprocessing system that is difficult tooperate and may allow for increased margin of error with respect tosterilization of the system. Therefore, there is a need for a lesscomplex system that is more convenient to handle, and that can simplifythe more specific pharmaceutical designs associated with particularbiomaterial production.

The present invention, as described hereinbelow, provides improvementsupon one or more of the above described and other shortcomings ofexisting bioprocessing systems and their valve assemblies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, the above and other problemswere solved by providing a connector apparatus and a sterilized assemblyfor bioprocessing using the connector apparatus. In addition, a methodfor implementing a connector apparatus is provided.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a connector apparatusincludes a coupler and a connector valve having a valve member all ofwhich are disposable after one time use.

In one embodiment, the coupler has an end that attaches to a connectorvalve, and an outlet for attachment to a piece of bioprocessingequipment. The connector valve includes a connecting mechanism forconnecting to the coupler, and an end for attachment to a media source.The connector valve and the coupler can be connected telescopically. Theconnector valve includes a valve member connected thereto and ismoveable with respect to the coupler to actuate the connector apparatusfrom a closed position to an open position. The coupler further containsretaining recesses, and the connector valve includes a locking member.The locking member cooperates with the above retaining recesses inengaging the connector valve to the coupler in both the closed and theopen configurations. The retaining recesses are tapered such that theydo not allow for the connector valve and the coupler to be detached onceconnected, whereby the connector valve is permanently engaged with thecoupler once connected, and the connector apparatus may be designed tobe disposable after one time use.

In another embodiment of the present invention, an assembly forbioprocessing includes a piece of bioprocessing equipment, a mediasource connected to a connector apparatus both of which are disposableafter one time use. The piece of bioprocessing equipment may beconnected to a steam source for sterilization of the piece ofbioprocessing equipment in a culture environment. The connectorapparatus is as described in the above embodiment. Further, theconnector apparatus includes a removable stop member, which preventsmovement of the connector valve into the open configuration, such thatno fluid flow is allowed from the media source through the connectorapparatus. The stop member may be removed when the assembly is to beactuated, allowing the connector apparatus to be actuated from theclosed configuration to the open configuration allowing flow from themedia source to the piece of bioprocessing equipment.

In one embodiment, the media source may be connected to the connectorapparatus both prior to assembly use, and during assembly use, where afirst portion of the connector apparatus, including the media source aregamma sterilized at a media filling station. Furthermore, a secondportion of the connector apparatus may be steam sterilized in abioprocessing environment where the connector apparatus and media sourcemay be connected to the piece of bioprocessing equipment.

In a further embodiment, a method for connecting a media source to apiece of bioprocessing equipment includes providing a connectorapparatus connected to a media source. The connector apparatus, asdescribed above, includes a coupler and a connector valve having a valvemember, wherein the connector apparatus can couple the piece ofbioprocessing equipment to the media source for receiving materials fromthe media source. A first portion of the connector apparatus may begamma sterilized with the media source at a media filling station, and asecond portion of the connector apparatus may be steam sterilized in abioprocessing environment where the connector apparatus is to beconnected. A stop member, attached onto the coupler, prevents movementof the connector valve from a closed configuration to an openconfiguration, and is removed so that the coupler and the connectorvalve can be actuated to the open configuration. The coupler apparatusalong with the media source can be disposable after one time use.

An advantage of the present invention is that the employment of aconnector apparatus can greatly simplify the parts of a couplingmechanism in a bioprocessing system. Further, it can eliminate the needfor cumbersome laminar flow hoods and complex valve assemblies that mayuse multiple steam traps. As the present invention is intended for onetime use only, it can be discarded after use providing furtherconvenience over other systems.

These and other various advantages and features of novelty, whichcharacterize the invention are pointed out in the following detaileddescription. For better understanding of the invention, its advantages,and the objects obtained by its use, reference should also be made tothe drawings which form a further part hereof, and to accompanyingdescriptive matter, in which there are illustrated and describedspecific examples of an apparatus in accordance with the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers representcorresponding parts throughout:

FIG. 1 represents a side view of one embodiment for a connectorapparatus in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 2 represents a perspective view of an embodiment of a coupler in aconnector apparatus as in FIG. 1, in accordance with the principles ofthe present invention.

FIG. 3 represents a perspective view of an embodiment of a connectorvalve in a connector apparatus as in FIG. 1, in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention.

FIG. 4 represents a perspective view of an embodiment of a stoppingmember for a connector apparatus as in FIG. 1, in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention.

FIG. 5 represents a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of theconnector apparatus of FIG. 1 including an embodiment for a valve memberpositioned in an embodiment for a closed configuration in accordancewith the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 6 represents a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of theconnector apparatus of FIG. 1 including an embodiment for a valve memberpositioned in an embodiment for an open configuration in accordance withthe principles of the present invention.

FIG. 7 represents a side view of the valve member shown in FIGS. 5 and6.

FIG. 8 represents perspective view of one embodiment for a retainingring, also shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, engaged in a first position (FIG. 5)and a second position (FIG. 6), in accordance with the principles of thepresent invention.

FIG. 9 represents a flow diagram of an embodiment for a method ofcoupling a media source to a piece of bioprocessing equipment inaccordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 10 represents a perspective view another embodiment for a connectorapparatus in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 11 represents a perspective view of another embodiment of a couplerfor a connector apparatus as in FIG. 10, in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention.

FIG. 12 represents a perspective view of one embodiment of an adapter ata first end for a connector valve as in FIG. 10, in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention.

FIG. 12 a represents a perspective view of the adapter of FIG. 12 at asecond end.

FIG. 13 represents a perspective view of one embodiment of a valvemember for a connector valve as in FIG. 10, in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention.

FIG. 13 a represents a sectional view of the valve member of FIG. 13.

FIG. 14 represents a sectional view of an embodiment of the connectorapparatus of FIG. 1 including an embodiment for a valve memberpositioned in an embodiment for a closed configuration in accordancewith the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 15 represents a sectional view of an embodiment of the connectorapparatus of FIG. 1 including an embodiment for a valve memberpositioned in an embodiment for an open configuration in accordance withthe principles of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the following description of the illustrated embodiments, referenceis made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and inwhich is shown by way of illustration of the embodiments in which theinvention may be practiced. It is to be understood that otherembodiments may be utilized as structural changes may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The present invention provides a connector apparatus for coupling amedia source to a piece of bioprocessing equipment.

FIG. 1 illustrates a connector apparatus 50 connecting a media source 70to a piece of bioprocessing equipment 90.

In FIG. 1, the connector apparatus 50 includes a coupler 20 and aconnector valve 10 that includes a valve member 40 connected thereto(shown in FIGS. 5-7). As shown in FIG. 1, the connector valve 10contains an end 12 suitable for attachment to the media source 70 and aconnecting mechanism 28 (best shown in FIG. 5) for connection to thecoupler 20. The connector valve 10 includes an adapter 10 a and the end12 may define a hose portion 10 b. As shown in FIG. 5, the connectingmechanism 28 includes a locking member 15 partially residing in a groove19. The connecting mechanism 28 may be connected to or disposed at thehead 14 of the adapter 10 a. The function of the connecting mechanism 28will be further detailed below. The end 12, as depicted in FIG. 1, isshown as a barbed end for attachment to a media source, such as 70.However, there may be other interfaces that can be used to achieve thesame result.

The coupler 20 has an outlet 22 for passage of media and connection tothe piece of bioprocessing equipment 90, such as but not limited to abioreactor. The outlet 22, as depicted in FIG. 1, is shown as a sanitaryflange. However, there may be other interfaces that can be used toachieve the same result. Also depicted is a second outlet 24 forallowing steam passage to a steam trap or a condensate outlet. A similarsanitary flange 27 as in the outlet 22 may be disposed at the secondoutlet 24. However, it will be appreciated that an O-ring seal also canbe used at the second outlet 24. In one embodiment, the connector valve10 and the coupler 20 are telescopically connected, wherein the head 14may be the receiving female member and an end 26 (shown in FIG. 2) maybe the inserting male member. The end 26 (inserting male member) canfurther have an O-ring seal 17 (shown in FIGS. 5 and 6) for providing afluid tight seal.

The coupler 20 may be insertable through a stop member 30, such that thestop member 30 may be releasably attached around the coupler 20. Stoptabs 34 of the stop member 30 prevent further movement of the connectorvalve 10 towards the first and second outlets 22 and 24, respectively.One of the stop tabs 34 of the stop member 30 abuts the head 14 of theconnector valve 10 to restrict telescopic movement between the connectorvalve 10 and the coupler 20. Another stop tab 34 abuts a seating portion16 to further restrict movement of the stop member 30 and connectorvalve 10. Further, the stop member 30 maintains the apparatus 50 in aclosed configuration. The stop member 30 further includes a disconnecthandle 32, such that removal of the handle allows removal of the entirestop member 30, and the connector apparatus 50 may be actuated to anopen configuration. The handle 32 may be a tear away handle such thattearing the handle 32 enables the entire stop member 30 to be removed.FIGS. 2-4 depict individual views of the coupler 20, connector valve 10,and the stop member 30.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate an embodiment for the connector apparatus 50 inan initial closed configuration and an embodiment of an openconfiguration. In FIG. 5, the coupler 20 is provided with first andsecond tapered retaining recesses 21A and 21B, respectively, wherein theconnector valve 10 is initially disposed at the first retaining recess21A. The first and second tapered recesses 21A, 21B respectively definetwo locations for the connecting mechanism 28 of the connector valve 10to engage the coupler 20. The two locations include a first locationthat defines the closed configuration of the connector apparatus 50 anda second location that defines the open configuration of the connectorapparatus 50. The connector valve 10 further contains the connectingmechanism 28 that includes a locking member 15, illustrated as aretaining ring, localized in a first groove 19 disposed about the innersurface of the head 14 of the adapter 10 a. The locking member 15 ispositioned such that portion of the locking member 15 is insertable intothe first groove 19 of the adapter 10 a and a remaining portioncontaining a tapered side 13 of the locking member 15 (also shown inFIG. 8) protrudes radially outside from the first groove 19. The lockingmember 15 of the connecting mechanism engages the first recess 21A ofthe coupler 20 in the closed configuration, connecting the connectorvalve 10 to the coupler 20. The first tapered recess 21A and the taperedside 13 have a connection wherein the first tapered recess 21A has atransverse edge with respect to a tapered portion of the recess 21A. Thefirst tapered recess 21A locks the locking member 15 from moving in abackward direction and prevents the connector valve 10 fromdisconnecting from the coupler 20 once they are connected. The taperedportion of the first recess 21A and the tapered side 13 of the lockingmember 15 allow only for forward movement towards the second taperedrecess 21B.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, one embodiment of a valve member 40 isprovided with an elongated structural frame 48, and a retaining end 44that includes extension tabs 45. The frame 48 is structured andconfigured so as to enable fluid flow through the connector valve 10from the end 12 to the head 14. A retaining structure illustrated assecond groove 18 disposed at the end 12 provides insertion for theextension tabs 45, thereby connecting the valve member 40 to the adapter10 a such that the valve member 40 is moved when the connector valve 10is moved. Preferably, the valve member 40 is partially disposed withinthe adapter 10 a. The valve member 40 also has a sealing end 42. Thesealing end 42 may be insertable into the coupler 20, and may include anO-ring seal 37. When a media source, such as media source 70, and theconnector valve 10 are sterilized in a first sterilization step (furtherdiscussed below), the sealing end 42 can provide a sterile barrierbetween a sterilized portion including the connector valve 10 through aportion of the coupler 20. The O-ring seal 37 provides a suitable sealbetween the sealing end 42 and a sidewall of the coupler 20, whereby thefirst sterilization step would sterilize at least the connector valve 10including the end 12, head 14, and through to the O-ring seal 37 of thesealing end 42. In the closed configuration, the sealing end 42 of valvemember 40 forms a fluid tight seal upstream of the outlet 22 preventingflow of media through the connector apparatus 50. In the openconfiguration, the sealing end 42 of the valve member 40 forms a fluidtight seal downstream of the outlet 22 sealing the second outlet 24.

The stop member 30 may be attached around the coupler 20. Stop tabs 34may be disposed on ends of the stop member 30 such that they abut thehead 14 of the connector valve 10, and abut a seating portion 16 of thecoupler 20. The seating portion 16 may be disposed circumferentiallyabout the coupler 20 and before the outlet 22 of the coupler 20 (seeFIG. 1). Stop tabs 34 of the stop member 30 prevent telescopic slidingof the connector valve 10 including the valve member 40, from the firsttapered recess 21A towards the second tapered recess 21B of the coupler20. Using the disconnect handle 32, the stop member 30 can be removedallowing the connecting mechanism 28 of the connector valve 10 to bemoved from the first tapered recess 21A toward the second tapered recess21B. By pushing the connector valve 10 a length through the coupler 20,the connector apparatus 50 is actuated into an open configuration asbest depicted in FIG. 6. Preferably, the sealing end 42 of the valvemember 40 moves from an upstream position relative to the outlet 22 pastthe region where the outlet 22 is disposed, and moves downstream towardthe second outlet 24, thereby opening a flow passage from the end 12through the outlet 22.

As depicted in FIG. 6, the connector apparatus 50 is shown in an openconfiguration, where the stop member 30 has been removed. In addition,the connecting mechanism 28 of the connector valve 10 has been movedfrom the first tapered recess 21A and engaged at the second taperedrecess 21B in the same connection manner as the connector valve 10 andfirst tapered recess 21A described above before moving the connectorvalve 10 towards the second tapered recess 21B. The locking member 15with its tapered side 13 only allows movement of the connector valve 10toward the second retaining recess 21B when the stop member 30 has beenremoved. This slide connection to the second tapered recess 21Bresembles a one-way lock engagement and prevents disconnection betweenthe connector valve 10 and the coupler 20. Preferably, the connectingmechanism 28 allows for a single actuation into the open configurationwhere the connector apparatus 50 is disposable after one time use.

Preferably, the connector valve 10, permanently engaged to the coupler20, cannot move back towards the first retaining recess 21A, as thelocking member 15 engages the second retaining recess 21B to lock theconnector valve 10 in place. The apparatus 50 is actuated to an openconfiguration. The connection created by the tapered recess 21B andtapered side 13 does not allow for disconnection. The apparatus 50 willremain in an open configuration until it is no longer needed totransport media to a piece of bioprocessing equipment, and can bediscarded after one-time use. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the connectorvalve 10 is illustrated with the hose portion 10 b, and the adapter 10 athe connecting mechanism 28 are integrally formed together, while thevalve member 40 is attached as a separate part. It will be appreciatedthat alternative configurations may be employed, for instance, the hose,adapter connecting mechanism, and valve member may be attached aseparate parts.

FIGS. 10-15 illustrate another preferred embodiment for a connectorapparatus 150. The connector apparatus 150 includes a coupler 120, aconnector valve 110 that contains an adapter 110 a and an end 112 with avalve member 140 connected thereto (shown in FIGS. 13-15). As shown inFIG. 10, the end 112 of the connector valve 110 may include a hoseportion 110 b suitable for attachment to a media source 170. The adapter110 a includes a connecting mechanism 128 (best shown in FIGS. 14, 15)for connection to the coupler 120. The connecting mechanism 128 includesa locking member 115 and a space 113. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 14-15,the connecting mechanism 128 is formed as a part of the adapter 10 a ofthe connector valve 110. The function of the adapter 110 a including theconnecting mechanism 128 will be further detailed below. The end 112, asdepicted in FIG. 10, is shown as a barbed end for attachment to a mediasource, such as 170. However, there may be other interfaces that can beused to achieve the same result. Differently from FIGS. 1-8, where theadapter 10 a and the end 12 are integrally formed as a one piecestructure, FIGS. 10-15 illustrates the adapter 110 a and the end 112 asseparate parts.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the coupler 120 has an outlet 122 forpassage of media and connection to the piece of bioprocessing equipment190, such as but not limited to a bioreactor. The outlet 122, asdepicted in FIG. 10, is shown as a sanitary flange. However, there maybe other interfaces that can be used to achieve the same result. Alsodepicted is a second outlet 124 for allowing steam passage to a steamtrap or a condensate outlet. A similar sanitary flange 127, as in theoutlet 122, may be disposed at the second outlet 124. However, it willbe appreciated that an O-ring seal also can be used at the second outlet124. In one embodiment, the connector valve 110 and the coupler 120 aretelescopically connected, wherein the end 114 a of the adapter 110 areceives the end 126 and the end 126 receives the sealing end 142 of thevalve member 140 of the hose 110 b.

The coupler 120 may be insertable through a stop member 130, such thatthe stop member 130 may be releasably attached around the coupler 120.Stop tabs 134 of the stop member 130 prevent further movement of theconnector valve 110 towards the first and second outlets 122 and 124,respectively. One of the stop tabs 134 of the stop member 30 abuts theend 114 a of the adapter 110 a to restrict telescopic movement betweenthe connector valve 110 and the coupler 120. Another stop tab 134 abutsa seating portion 116 to further restrict movement of the stop member130 and connector valve 110. Further, the stop member 130 maintains theapparatus 150 in a closed configuration. The stop member 130 furtherincludes a disconnect handle 132, such that removal of the handle 132allows removal of the entire stop member 130, and the connectorapparatus 150 may be actuated to an open configuration. Preferably, thehandle 132 is a tear away handle such that tearing the handle 132enables the entire stop member 130 to be removed. Preferably, theseating portion 116 resides about the outer surface of the coupler 120and includes at least one space 116 a to allow the handle 132 to resideabout the outer surface of the coupler 120.

Preferably, in FIG. 11 the coupler 120 includes at least one groove 19extending along the outer surface of the coupler 120 from the end 126toward the seating portion 116. Preferably, the coupler includesoppositely disposed grooves 19 as shown in FIG. 11. The function of thegroove 119 will be discussed below.

FIGS. 12 and 12 a illustrate one preferred embodiment of the adapter 110a for a connector valve 110 that includes a first end 114 a and a secondend 114 b. The connecting mechanism 128 resides at a head portion of thefirst end 114 a, and includes at least one locking member 115 having aspace 113. As shown in FIG. 12, two locking members 115 are oppositelydisposed on the inner surface of the first end 114 a of the adapter 110b. Preferably, the locking members 115 include a tapered side 115 adefining a transverse edge for locking with retaining recesses, such as121A, 121B (discussed below).

A rib 119 a extends from the first end 114 a toward the second end 114b. Preferably, the rib 119 a cooperates with the groove 119 describedabove in the coupler 120 of FIG. 11, resembling a tongue and grooveconnection. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, one groove 119 and one rib 119a are illustrated. It will be appreciated that oppositely disposedgrooves 119 on the coupler 120 and corresponding ribs 119 a on theconnector valve can be employed, in addition to other configurations.The connection between the groove 119 and rib 119 a help hold theconnector valve in position and prevent the connector valve 110 fromrotating about the outer surface of the coupler, such as coupler 120.

In FIG. 12 a, the second end 114 b of the adapter 110 bincludesoppositely disposed first protrusions 111 a and second protrusions 111 babout the inner surface of the adapter 110 a nd extend radially inward.Preferably, the first protrusions 111 a have a greater width than thesecond protrusions 111 b. Preferably, the oppositely disposed firstprotrusions 111 a are orthogonal to the oppositely disposed secondprotrusions 111 b, and define first gaps 111 c and second gaps 111 dtherebetween. Preferably, at least one of the first and second gaps 111c, 111 d are arranged and configured to attach to the hose 110 b. Asshown in FIG. 12 a, the second gaps 111 d have a projected surface 111 eso as to connect to, for instance, barbed retainers of a hose portion110 b (discussed below). It will be appreciated that the first gaps 111c also may employ a projected surface, such as 111 e.

FIGS. 13-13 a illustrate one preferred embodiment of the valve member140 of the connector valve 110. The valve member 140 includes anelongated body 148 defining a first end 112 and a second end being asealing end 142. Preferably, the first end is a barbed end and mayinclude a hose portion 110 b for suitable attachment to a media source,such as 170. A flange 145 is disposed proximate the first end 112 andincludes at least one retention member 145 a. Preferably, the retentionmember 145 a is a barbed retainer. Projections 144 extend radiallyoutward from the outer surface of the elongated body 148. As shown inFIG. 13, one retention member 145 a and one projection 144 areillustrated. It will be appreciated that a plurality of retentionmembers and projections may be employed. Preferably, inner surface ofthe first end 112 of the hose 110 b includes two oppositely disposedretention members 145 a orthogonal to two oppositely disposedprojections 144. Preferably, the retention members 145 a cooperate withthe projected surface 111 e of the second gaps 111 d in the adapter 110a to engage the hose 110 b to the adapter 110 a. Additionally, theprojections 144 fit through the first gaps 111 c to connect the hose 110b and the adapter 110 a together.

In FIG. 13 a, the sealing end 142 is connected to the elongated body 148through supports 149 extending longitudinally outward from a sidewall148 a of the elongated body 148. Preferably, two supports 149 areoppositely disposed to connect the sealing end 142 to the elongated body148. A flow path 146 is defined by the opening at the first end 112 thatextends through the elongated body 148.

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate an embodiment for the connector apparatus 150in an initial closed configuration and an embodiment of an openconfiguration. The coupler 120 and the connector valve 110 operate in amanner similar to the coupler 20 and connector valve 10 described above.In FIG. 14, the coupler 120 is provided with first and second taperedretaining recesses 121A and 121B, respectively, wherein the connectorvalve 110 is initially disposed at the first retaining recess 121A.

The connector valve 110 further contains the connecting mechanism 128that includes the at least one locking member 115 and the space 113. Asillustrated in FIGS. 12 and 14-15, the connecting mechanism 128 isdisposed at the first end 114 a of the adapter 110. The locking member115 of the connecting mechanism 128 engages the first recess 121A of thecoupler 120 in the closed configuration, connecting the connector valve110 to the coupler 120. Preferably the locking member 115 contains atapered side 115 a. The first tapered recess 121A and the tapered side115 a have a connection wherein the first tapered recess 121A has atransverse edge with respect to a tapered portion of the recess 121Athat connects with the transverse edge of the locking member 115.

The first tapered recess 121A locks the locking member 115 from movingin a backward direction, and prevents the connector valve 110 fromdisconnecting from the coupler 120 once they are connected. The taperedportion of the first recess 121A and the tapered side 115 a of thelocking member 115 allow for forward movement towards the second taperedrecess 121B. Preferably, the locking member 115 is a resilient materialthat is flexible so as to allow the locking member 115 to bend into thespace 113 when the connector valve 110 is between engagement with thetapered recesses 121A, 121B, as the connector valve 110 is pushed.

As depicted in FIG. 15, the connector apparatus 150 is shown in an openconfiguration, where the stop member 130 has been removed. In the openconfiguration, the sealing end moves past the opening defined by theoutlet 122, where the flow path 146 is in fluid communication with theoutlet 122 enabling fluid flow. In addition, the connector valve 110 hasbeen moved from the first tapered recess 121A and engaged at the secondtapered recess 121B. It will be appreciated that the connection of theconnector valve 110 and the second tapered recess 121B is identical asthe connector valve 110 and first tapered recess 121A described abovebefore moving the connector valve 110 towards the second tapered recess121B.

The locking member 115 of the connecting mechanism 128, with its taperedside 115 a, allows the connector valve 110 to slide towards the secondretaining recess 121B after the stop member 130 has been removed. Thisslide connection to the second tapered recess 121B resembles a one-waylock engagement and prevents disconnection between the connector valve110 and the coupler 120. Preferably, the connector valve 110,permanently engaged to the coupler 120, cannot move back towards thefirst retaining recess 121A, as the locking member 115 engages thesecond retaining recess 121B to lock the connector valve 110 in place.The apparatus 150 is actuated to an open configuration. The connectioncreated by the tapered recess 121B and tapered side 115 a of the lockingmember 115 does not allow for disconnection. The apparatus 150 willremain in an open configuration until it is no longer needed totransport media to a piece of bioprocessing equipment, and can bediscarded after one-time use.

The present invention provides a bioprocessing assembly.

A sterilized connector apparatus, as described above, is included forcoupling of a piece of bioprocessing equipment to a media source. Theconnector apparatus can withstand steam and autoclave conditions. Inaddition, the connector apparatus can be made of a material such aspolycarbonate, or a polysulphone, or a polyphenylsulfide and includingother high temperature thermoplastics or materials, which can beinjection molded. The media source can be a media bag or other likemedia vessel. The piece of bioprocessing equipment may be a bioreactorand can include a steam source for sterilization. The dimensions for abioreactor and media source are specific to the needs of the biomaterialbeing processed and are further not described here.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow diagram of a method for coupling a bioreactorwith a media source. The method 100 includes providing a connectorapparatus, a media source and a piece of bioprocessing equipment 101 asdetailed in the above descriptions. The connector apparatus may be asdescribed in the above embodiments, and may be connected to a filledmedia source 103. The media source and the connector apparatus may besterilized 105. The media source and a first portion of the connectorapparatus can be gamma sterilized. The portion of the connectorapparatus being sterilized may include a connector valve and valvemember through a portion of a coupler. It will be appreciated that theentire connector apparatus may be gamma sterilized during the firststerilization. A stop member may be connected around the coupler tomaintain the connector apparatus in a closed configuration.

The connector apparatus and media source, while maintainingsterilization defined through the media source and the first portion ofthe connector apparatus can be connected to a piece of bioprocessingequipment 107 in a closed configuration. The piece of bioprocessingequipment may be a bioreactor, which may be sterilized 109 includingsterilization of the bioprocessing equipment and a second portion of thecoupler. It will be appreciated that the second portion being sterilizedmay at least partially overlap the sterilized first portion above. Afterthe second sterilization 109, the entire connector apparatus issterilized. Preferably, after the second sterilization 109 the entireassembly including the media source, connector apparatus, and piece ofbioprocessing equipment will be sterilized and ready for use. The secondportion of the coupler may be defined by an outlet into the piece ofbioprocessing equipment, and through towards a second outlet including aportion of the connecting valve such as sealing head. Preferably, thesecond outlet is a steam trap or condensate outlet. Preferably, thesterilization 109 of the bioprocessing equipment and the second portionof the coupler are achieved by steam sterilization.

For example, upon connection to the piece of bioprocessing equipment190, the stop member 130 is removed to allow the connection apparatus150 to be actuated in an open configuration. By sliding and/or pushingthe connector valve 110, which moves telescopically relative to thecoupler 120, the connector apparatus 150 can be actuated from an initialclosed configuration to an open configuration. Pushing the valve member140 a length through the coupler 120 opens a flow passage definedbetween the end 112 of the connector valve and the outlet 122 of thecoupler 120, thereby allowing media flow from the media source 170 tothe piece of bioprocessing equipment 190.

The pulling, sliding or pushing of the connector valve 110 resembles aone-way lock engagement and prevents disconnection between the connectorvalve 110 and the coupler 120. When media flow to the piece ofbioprocessing equipment 190 is no longer needed the connector apparatus150 and media source 170 can be discarded after one time use.

As stated above, the connector apparatus provides a more convenient andpractical way of connecting bioprocessing equipment with a media source.Further, being disposable and intended for one-time use, the connectorapparatus allows for the elimination of laminar flow hoods and multiplevalves and steam traps that are used in sterilization. In addition, theconnector apparatus provides a versatile means for coupling that can beeasily modified to accommodate a range of needs with respect toparticular biomaterials processed.

Having described the embodiments of the present invention, modificationsand equivalents may occur to one skilled in the art. It is intended thatsuch modifications and equivalents shall be included with the scope ofthe invention.

1. A connector apparatus comprising: a coupler including an end andfirst and second outlets; and a connector valve connectable at a firstend to a fluid source, the connector valve comprising an adapter and avalve member, the adapter containing a connecting mechanism beingengageable with the end of the coupler, the valve member being partiallydisposed within the adapter and insertable into the coupler; wherein theconnector apparatus defines a flow passage being actuatable from aclosed configuration to an open configuration when the coupler and theconnector valve are engaged; wherein the valve member forms a fluidtight seal upstream of the first outlet of the coupler in the closedconfiguration; wherein the valve member forms a fluid tight sealdownstream of the first outlet of the coupler in the open configuration;and wherein the second outlet is in fluid communication with the firstoutlet when the coupler is in the closed configuration.
 2. The connectorapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the coupler and the connectorvalve being initially in the closed configuration upon engagement, theconnecting mechanism being configured to only allow movement of theconnector valve toward the coupler into the open configuration.
 3. Theconnector apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connectingmechanism being configured to allow a single actuation into the openconfiguration.
 4. The connector apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe connecting mechanism is engageable with the coupler at twolocations; the two locations being a first location defined as theclosed configuration and a second location defined as the openconfiguration.
 5. The connector apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe coupler and the connector valve being disposable after one time use.6. The connector apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the end of theconnector valve being suitable for attachment with a media source, andthe first outlet of the coupler being suitable for attachment with apiece of bioprocessing equipment.
 7. The connector apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein the connector valve and the coupler may betelescopically engageable.
 8. The connector apparatus according to claim1, wherein the coupler includes first and second retaining recessesdisposed on an outer surface of the coupler between the end and thefirst outlet.
 9. The connector apparatus according to claim 8, whereinthe first and second retaining recesses are tapered recesses.
 10. Theconnector apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the first and secondretaining recesses cooperate with a locking member of the connectingmechanism of the adapter when the connector valve is engaged with thecoupler, the first and second retaining recesses each form a one waylock relationship with the locking member, wherein the connector valveand the coupler are permanently engaged.
 11. The connector apparatusaccording to claim 10, wherein the first retaining recess cooperateswith the locking member in the closed configuration, and the secondretaining recess cooperates with the locking member in the openconfiguration.
 12. The connector apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe valve member including a sealing end, the sealing end being moveablerelative to an inner sidewall of the coupler and maintains a fluid tightseal when in contact with the sidewall in the closed configuration, thesealing end enabling fluid flow through the flow passage when moved pastan opening of the first outlet of the coupler.
 13. The connectorapparatus according to claim 1, comprising a stop member removeablyattached to the coupler, the stop member preventing movement of theconnector valve into the open configuration.
 14. The connector apparatusaccording to claim 13, wherein the stop member includes a handle. 15.The connector apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the handle is atear away handle such that the stop member is removed from the couplerwhen torn enabling movement of the connector valve.
 16. The connectorapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second outlet enables steamrelease from the first outlet when the coupler is in the closedconfiguration.
 17. The connector apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe coupler and the connector valve being constructed of an injectionmolded high temperature thermoplastic material consisting ofpolycarbonate, polysulphone, or polyphenylsulfide.